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picture, as no details are available in respect of children resident
in the Borough who were immunised outside the area during
evacuation, or privately by their own doctors. A far truer figure
is that obtained at a “Gallup” poll which was taken at 15
schools during the year, and which showed that 77.08 per cent.
of children had received protective immunisation at one time or
another.
POLIOMYELITIS AND POLIOENCEPHALITIS.
The incidence of poliomyelitis and polioencephalitis which
occurred throughout the country resulted in 30 cases of the
former disease and two cases of the latter being notified as
occurring within the Borough, giving an attack rate of 0.47 and
0.03 per 1,000 population respectively.
There were 3 deaths from poliomyelitis and polioencephalitis,
all in adults.
The first Bromley case of this distressing disease was notified
in July. There is much that can be written and has been written
on this infection and, as Bromley is not an isolated population,
but contiguous with other Authorities similarly affected, any
findings based on Bromley statistics would be fallaceous. It is
noteworthy that in only two families were there more than one
case. The infection was widespread and approximately 10 per
cent. of infected persons were actually notified as confirmed
cases. The great number of cases which did not advance beyond
the initial stage of infection was one of the problems in the
control of the infection. It was because of this that action was
taken to keep from school for three weeks any child who had
an undiagnosed illness. No case was traced to school infection.
Notified and confirmed cases were admitted to isolation
hospital for the first three weeks, and then transferred to general
hospitals or home, as called for.
PUERPERAL PYREXIA.
Thirty-one cases of puerperal pyrexia, representing an attack
rate of 23.09 per 1,000 total births, were notified during the year,
of which 28 were institutionally treated, and 3 occurred at home.
There was no mortality.
19 cases resident in the Borough were visited by the Health
Visitors, and all cases made good recovery.
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM.
There were no cases during the year.